US1639107A - Musical instrument - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 16, 1927. 1,639,107 n s. H. PERRON MUSICAL INSTRUMENT .Filed June 5 192 s Sheets Sheet 1 Aug. 16,.1927. 1,639,107

l v s. H. PERRON MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed June 5. 1922 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 a xifiufwf; I L43, H

Aug. 16, 1927. Y 1,639,107

' S. H. PERRON MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed June 5, 192 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 Us V/V/ lag I20 A". l 36 Jiwveni'or:

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g Y s. H. PERRON 1639'107 MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed June 5. 1922 s Sheets-Sheet 6 fin ezz for".

Patented Au 16 UNITED STATES [PAT N OF E.

SAMUELH. IE'ERRON, IOFVMENDON, MASSACHUSETTS, Assrenoa TO ALExAnnEn s'rnmnn'r, or BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

mUsIoAn INSTRUMENT. 1

Application filed June 3, 1922. I Serial No. 565,527.

This inventionnrelates to automatic'musical instruments of thetype wherein a perforated note sheet or its equivalent is employed to govern the playing of the instrument and has particular reference to pianos which are now known as reproducing pianos.

A'reproducing piano is one arranged automatically and faithfully to reproduce the characteristic shadings of the artistic performance of a skilled pianist; and for this v purpose, is provided with expression, mechanism by which to produce variations in intensity effect from pianissimo to fortissimo and also with mechanism to produce the loud and softpedal effects. The note sheet for such a reproducing piano has the usual and necessary note perforations for the piano strings and also has the various expression holes or perforations which control the various expression devices. It may also have other holes to control other apparatus. A reproducing piano is usually, though not necessarily, governed by pneumatic means and has a tracker formed with openings corresponding to the notes of the piano and which are adapted to register with perforations in the note sheet as it travels over the tracker for the playing of the notes. In addition to the note openings, the tracker has numerous other openings adapted to register with the corresponding additional perforations in the note sheets by which to govern the expression of the notes played by the piano and to effect the other control operations of the piano as, for instance, the re roll of the note sheet after the composition has been finished.

The different makes of reproducing pianos have difierent arrangements oft-he expression and controldevices and different arran ements of the corresponding holes in the tracker to govern said devices; and corresponding located holes in the trackers of different makes of piano do not govern the same expression and control devices.

In a co-pending application, Serial No.

484,257, filed July 12, 1921, I have described a reproducing piano having means by which the piano may be conditioned to be controlled accurately by different types of note sheets whereby the piano niay render accfl rately the expression and other effects of various makes of note sheets.

Thepresent invention has for an object to provide a reproducing plano adapted to play different makes of note sheets and includes an expression mechanism adapted to be controlled by the various types of note sheets to-accurately and faithfully reproduce the expression effects incorporated in the various types of note sheets. i

The more or less usual type of expression mechanism includes a pump or equivalent forexha-usting air from the player system and a valve in the player system governed by various dynamics controlled by the various perforations in the note sheets to vary the setting of the valve whereby to govern the suction pressure at the striker pneumaticsand, consequently,to govern the inten,

sity of the notes sounded by the piano.

. It is a further object of this invention to provide an expression device adapted to be controlled by various types of note sheets to regulate the intensity'of the notes and dispense with the usual regulating valve.

it further object is generally to improve the construction and operation of reproducng pianos.

r Fig.1 is a diagramof the expression'and other'control apparatus of a reproducing piano constructed and arranged in accord ance with my invention. r

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the expression mechanism.

Fig. 3 is side elevation of the expression mechanism embodying my invention.

4 is'a plan view of the expression mechanism of Fig. 3 with the top cover plate removed. Fig. 5 isa section along lines 5-5 of Fig. 4:.

Fig. 6 is a sectional detail along lines 66 of Fig. 3, illustrating mechanism for pro ducing crescendo effects.

Fig. 7 is a front, detail of the note rolls and tracker of the piano.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view through a selector valve box illustrated in Fig; 1.

Fig. 9 is a transverse section along lines 99 of Fig. 8. r Fig. 10 1s a plan View, partly ln section,

a lock and cancel valvei Fig. 11 is a View along line 1111 of Fig. 10. V

Fig. 12 is a section along lines 1212 of Fig. 10. v

Fig. 13 is a sectional detail along lines 1313 of Fig. 10. p

F ig. l t is a transverse sectional view through a valve of a secondary valve box.

Fig. 15 is a transverse sectional View through a valve of a primary val'vbox.

Fig. 16 is a plan view of a relay valvehox.

Fig. 17 is a transverse section along line 1717 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a transversesectional view of a control valve for the accent valve of the eX pression box.

"Fig: 19 is a sectional view through a cut otl' valve-interposed betweenthe pump and the expression box.

Fign20-is a section along line 2020 of Fig. 4;.

Fig. 21 is a sectional detail along line 21-21 of Fig: 4.

'The various types of note sheets adapted to control the reproducing piano and embodying the invention have different systems tor obtaining the various degrees of expression but generally the note sheets are arrangedto control apparatus to vary the degrees of suction in the wind chest of the piano whereby to vary the force of the blow on the 'strings'ot the'piano by the striker pneumatics and the valve-is adapted to be held in set position for solong as the particular degree of intensityisto -be maiir tained, although its position'may be varied automatically to maintain the suctionfor which it-is set. v

The apparatusembodyingthe present invention designed to eliminate-theinterposed regulating valve, and thewind chest olthepiano is adapted to 'be in constant and tree"coinmiiuiication with the pump. Regulation of the expression elfect is obtainedby admitting atmospheric air to the required degree into the'connection between thewind chest and'the' pump; and the admission of atmospheric air serves to reduce thesuction at the windchest in proportion to the amount -ot=atmospheric air admitted and, consequently, to vary the force at which the striker p'neui'natics associated with the-"wind cheststrike'thastrings of the piano. 1 The expression-me0hanism is di-agrammatically illustrated in Fig. 2.

The pump 20, as'here shown, iselectrically driven and 01"? the centrifugal eXha-uster type and includes the'rotatable shaft 21 having the spaced im-pellers 22 thereon. *Guide vanes 23 are disposed between the impellers toreceive the air from the uppermostimpeller and guide and direct it' into theintake of the next lowermost impeller and the air is discharged through suitable sound deadening devices, not here shown, from the base of the pump. The pump herein shown is particularly adapted for use in connection with my invention and has the characteristic of providing a substantially constant suction pressure regardless of the number of striker neumatics in action, which characteristic is "{inherent with this type o'l pump. n pipe '"of-suitable'cross sectional area connects the pump with the expression apparatus and said ""pipe is in communication with a pipe 25 which is of-substantially less cross-sectional area than said pipe 24. Said pipe 25 is in communication with an expression b03126. A pipe 27, which may be of any suitable size, extends from said expression box' 26 to the wind chest 27 in the usual manner.

Said wind chest 27 may be of the usual construction and is divided into a treble compartment 2?" and a bass compartment 27, and said pipe -27 may connnunicate withysay, the 'ba-ss compartment27. Striker pneumatics, one of which is illustrated at 27 may be controlled by the treble side 27* of the wind chest and-other striker pneun1atics,- one of which is illustrated at 27, may be con- "illed by the bassside ofthe wind chest, in more or less theusual manner.

i r he expression box 26 is provided with a series of, preferably aduated, apertures 28, 29, and 31 andsaid ,apertures are controlled by the valves 28, 29-,30 and 31. Said'fapertures communicate with the outside atmospheric air and the valvesthereot "arecontrolled by expression perforations in note sheets passed overthe tracker of the piano and-in a manner hereinafter to be .described. Vhen 'all oi? said apertures are c osed and a consequence, no air .is admitted directlyirom the atmosphere into the expression box mechanism the maximum suction etlect oiithepun'ip 20 is manifested at the treble side of the wind chest and, conseq'uently, the striker pneumat ice associateril with said wind 'chestwill strike the strings of the piano-with the greatest intensity. WVhon, howev 1', one of the apertures 01 the expression box as tor instance,-the aperture 28, isopened by the suitable control of-its valve 28, atn iospherie air is admitted into said box and the suction pr are therein is reduced in proportion to the amount ot air admitted. Consequently, the suction pressnreat the treble wind ost is reduced i and. ales-":erdegree of inte. y is produce'c. -If a 'largei",a; )erture,-as. tor instance. the

Maperture 30 is opened an increased amount -01 atmosphericair Willi-pi ;s'

into the ex:- pression box and the "Suction at the wind chest will be reduced still 'furtherand a lesser degree of intensity willbeproduced. The various degrees of intensit may thereby be! produced by suitably operating the various valves 28%"292' 3O, 31 to uncover the various apertures-2S, 29, 30, 31, whereby to admit variable amounts of atmospheric equal cross sectional area. '1naybe snnllar to the pipe 2?, extends trom said expression box in the usual manner;

air intothe expression box 26. The'maximum degree ofint'ensity-is provided when all f'the apertures are closed and lesser degrees of intensity may be obtained by opening a selected aperture. Still lesser degrees or intensity may be provided by opening combinations of apertures simultaneously, as for instance, apertures 28and 31. or apertures and 30 and 31 etc, and the minimum intensity eli'ect, or pianissin'io, is

to'fthe treble side 27" of the wind chest. Said two expression boxesflare more or less similar, with exceptions hereinafter to be set forth, and said expression box 32 is provided with the apertures 36, 37, and- 38 and saidapertures are controlled by the valves 352 362 37?, and 38. The control of said expression box 32 is eli'ected in a mannersimilt to the control of the expression box 26 and serves to vary the suction in the treble side of the wind chest and consequently the intensity of the notes controlled trom the treble side of the wind chest. F or certain types ofnote. sheets, the control of both the bass and treble is etl ected through one expression box and the notes are accented through the other box. and, with another type of note sheet, the expression of the bass and treble notes. are each inde pendently controlled by an expression box. The various air passages connecting the striker pneumatics Wltll' the suction device are substantially 'unvarying in volume. that is, the volumes of the passages are not adapted to be increased or decreased to accomplish expressionwariations and, consequently, the passages constitute a connection of fixed capacity between the striker pneumatics and suction device.

Figs. 3. 4, cilic construction of the expression box diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 2. Said expression boxes 26 and 32 a-re herein shown as mechanicallyconnected though they may be mechanically independent of each other the size of said passages 28; 29', 30,31

A'pipe 34. which and 5 illustrate a suitable spewhereby suitably toregulate the relative sizes of the passages and said passages are arranged to he graduated in size from the smallest passage 31 to the largest passage 28. Said passages are or may be controlled by the pouch valves 28 29, 3,0, 31 carried by the plate 43 and tubes 28*, 29". 30", and 31 serve to connect said pouch valves with proper control devices which are arranged to admit suction to the back oi said pouch valves whereby to open them and place the chamber 40 in communication with the passage 42, and also to admitatmospheric pressure to the back of said pouches and close the passages 28, 29. 30, and 31.

Normally all of said valves are connected to suction and held open whereby to obtain the-lowermost degree of intensity eli ect, or pianissimo; I

- Said passage 42 is aoapted to be placed in communication with outside atmosphere through the'slot 46 in, said plate 'For one type of roll the various degrees of intensity are controlledby governing the opening and closing of the pouch valves above described, and crescendo or dlminuendo effects are or may be controlled by governing the period between the ClOSlIlg or opening,

respectively of successive valves. For another type or roll, a crescendo bellows is employed toobtain crescendo and diminuendo eflects. For such type of roll, a crescend bellows 47 is suitably secured to the expres sion box 26 and tube 48 is arranged to connectthe interior of said bellows through passage 48' with suitable controlling devices. The movable side 4 of said bellows is provided with an 47 to which a link 49 is pivotally connected. Said link 49 is also pivotally connected with a slide valve 50 which is disposed in or on said plate 43 and y is adapted to be moved over said slot 46 to vary the extent of opening of, and close, said slot. Itis obvious that as said crescendo bellows 47 is gradually collapsed by the evacuation thereof, said slide valve 50 will be moved gradually over the slot 46 whereby to restrict the flow of atmospheric air through said slot into the expression box and thereby gradually bring up the tone of that portion of the instrument associated with said box and when said crescendo bellows again expands, it operates said slide valve 50 in the reverse direction to uncover the slot 46 and thereby reduce the intensity of that portion of the-piano associated with said box. The rate of collapse and expansion of the crescendo bellows may be governed in any suitable manner as by the screw 51 for instance, whereby to vary the rate of collapse and opening of the bellows and thereby regulate the time'required to raise and lower the intensity of the piano to the intensitydetermined by the settingof the valves 28, 29 30", 31*". For a certain type of roll, it is desirable to obtain fast and also.

For-

slow crescendo and diminuendo effects. this purpose, I prefer to arrange the bellows 47 as the fast crescendobellows and provide a second or similar bellows 53 to obtain slow crescendo effects. The slow crescendo be ows may be provided with an arm tree from but adapted to engage the movable side 47 of the fast crescendo bellows and move it whereliiy to actuate the slide valve The fast crescendo bellowst'? will not be operated when the slow crescendo bellows is operated. The slow crescendo bellows is adapted, obviously,- to have a slower rate of opening than the fastcrescendo bellows whereby the intensity of the piano will be raised or reduced at a dccreascd rate of speed.

The slow crescendo bellows 53 is provided with two tubes 53 and o by which coniniunication with the interior of the-bellows is established. Said tube 53 1s arranged to have a restricted opening wherebyto provide i for the slow collapse and opening of the bellows and said tube 53 isv arranged to be trol the accent, or theme, notes for a difiliei'ent type of note sheet. Said chamber 40 of the expression box .is in communication wvith .the chamber of the expression box 32 through passages 59 and 60, chambers Stand 58 and aoertures G6 and 67. vThe flow of air through said apertures 66 and 67 are controlled bythe base and treble is adapted tobe connected with the pump accent valves 68 and 69 respectively.

valves are disposed in position to cover or the wall 7%.

over said aperture 73 to prevent a flow of air from the chamber 72 into said-chamber 65 but is arranged to open and uncover the passage 73 and permit the tree flow; of .air in the normal direction. Said chamber 72 by means of the pipe A wall 76 ofthe xpression box 32 is or may be tormedwith the passages 35, 36. 37 and'38 therein which are preferably graduated in internal. dimensions in a manner similar to the correspond- -ing passages-in the expression box 26wand Said regulating screws 77 may extend a variable Pouch valves 35, 36, 37, 38, are carried by said plate 79 andare arranged to cover or uncover the passages 35, 36, 37 and 38 and be operated in a manner similarto the corresponding pouch valves of the expression box 26. Said pouch valves are adapted to be placed-in communication with suitable control devices by the pipes 35236 37", and

38* and aslide valve 81 is adapted to cover or uncover said slot and is operated by a fast crescendo bellows 82. A slow crescendo bellows 83 is alsoprovided and said valve and fast and slow crescendo bellows areor may be constructed and operated in a manner similar to construction and operation of the corresponding devices associated with the expression box 26. Means may be provided to muffle the sound of air as it passes through said slot 80 into the expression box and said muflling means may include the wall 85 of suitable porous material. as felt, and an impervious cover plate 86. i The passage of. air into the corresponding slot or aperture 46 of the expression box 26 may be similarly inutl'led. The communication with the fast and slot crescendo bellows 82 and '83 respectively may be established through the pipes 87 and 88 respectively. Said slow crescendo bellows 83 also has a pipe' 88" by which to obtain rapid opening of the bellows, as will be described.

' For certain type of note sheet'the expres sion perforations are such that the general tone of the piano is raised and lowered through the expression box 32 and for this purpose the accent bellows 70 and 71 are adaptedto be collapsed to lift valves (38 and 69 and uncover the apertures 66 and 67 whereby to permit air to flow from the base and treble wind chests through the pipes (33 and 64 respectivelyinto the chamber 72 of said expression box-32 and out of said chamber through the pipe 33 to the pump. The opening or closing of a pouch valve, as 36 or 37, for instance, serves to increase or decrease the amount of atmospheric air admitted into the chamber 72 whereby to decrease or increase the intensity of the note sounded by the striker pneumatics controlledtrom both the bass and treble sides of the wind'chest of the piano. Normally, for said type of note sheet, the-intensity of the theme notes are increased one step over the accompaniment notes and consequently, an accent valve, which may be either the valve 68 or 69 depending upon whether the theme notes occur on the bassuor the treble sidel'll) of the wind chest, will'be closed and that portion of the wind chest will consequently 'be placed in communication with the expression box 26; One of the pouch valves associated with said expression box 26 as for instance, thepouch valve 31 controlling the largest passage 31, consequently will be closed whereby to increase the intensity of the theme notes over-the accompaniment notes. The intensity ofthe theme notes may be governed by suitable operation of said pouch valves whereby to increase or decrease the amount of atmospheric air admitted into the expression box 26. If the theme notes come in the treble side of the wind chest, the accent valve 69 will be closed and if the theme notes come on the bass side of the wind chest, the accent valve 68 willbe closed. The intensity of the accompaniment and theme notes may be raised or lowered independently by suitable operation of the pouch valves associated with the expression boxes 32 and 26 respectively.

The expression perforations of another type of note sheet are so arranged that the bass and treble notes are governed independently and consequently, means must be provided to isolate the expression box 32 from the bellows and suitable control means. -When the first mentioned type of roll is played, said bellows 91' is preferably arranged to be in open position and the slide valve 90 is consequently in a position to uncover the passage and permit communication between said expression box 26 and the expressionbox 32. When the second mentioned type of note sheet is played, said bellows 91 is placedjunder suction and is consequently collapsed and the Valve 90 is moved to close the passage 60. When the slide valve 90 isclosed, the valve 68'may also be arranged to be closed, which will effectively close communication between the units 26 and 32.

Said second mentioned type of note sheet,

as above stated, is arranged to govern independently the intens1ty of thenote's controlled by apparatus associated with the bass and treble sides of thewind chest. Said note sheet is prov ded with suitable expression perforations n one margin, thereof which govern suitable devices to actuate the pouch valves associated with the ex- Said bellows 91 may have the pipe 93 by which connection may be made between pression box 26 to govern the intensity of the notes struck from the bass side of the wind chest, and the number of pouch valves opened or closed determines the particular intensity efi edt produced. With this arrangement air flows from the bass side of the wind chest through the pipe 63 into the chamber 57 of the expression box 32 and throughthe passage 59 into the expression box 26. The accent valve 68 in said cham ber 57' is arranged to be closed while this vtype of note sheet is played and thereby prevents communication between the bass side of the wind chestand the expression box 32. The expression box 26 is isolated from the treble side of the wind chest by the valve 90 which is held in raised position to close the passage 60. The treble side of the wind chest is controlled from the expression box 32 andfor this purpose the accent valve 69 is held in raised position during the playing of the note sheet and communication is established from the treble side of the wind chest through the pipe 6 1; and the chamber 58 through said valve 69 into the chamber 72 of said expression box 32. The pouch valves associated with said expression box 32 are opened and controlled by the expression perforations formed in the other margin of the note sheet to varythe intensity of the notes struck by apparatus controlled by the treble side of the wind chest.

Fora third type of note sheet, the various expression effects are arranged to be produced mainly by the fast and slow crescendo bellows associated with the expression boxes and the atmospheric air passages are arranged to beheld open while this type of note sheet is in control of the instrument.

The means by which the various types of note sheets effect proper control of the ex-' pression mechanism above described whereby to effect accurate rendition of the various shadings of expression of the composition embodied in the note sheet includes the tracker 100. Said tracker placed in the usual position between the rolls 101 and 102. Said tracker is provided with the usual note openings 103 to control, .in' more or less the usual manner, the striker pneumatics associated with the bass and treble sides of the wind chest of the piano. Said note openings are adapted to register with corresponding perforations in the note sheet and when in register are adapted to effect the striking of the particular note as sociated with that opening. The tracker also provided with other openings a, 2'), 0, ci, e, f, g, h, 2', j, 79, at the left of the row of note openings and other openings 6/, b, 0, d, c. f, g, h, i, j, 76, Z, at the right of the row of note openings and said openings are adapted to register with the expression and control perforations ofthe various types oi is or may be note sheets whereby to effect the proper control of the intensity of the notes struck by the piano and alsoto eii ect other control opera tions, as for instance, the rewinding of the note sheet after the composition thereon has been played,'and the loud and soft pedal efi ccts. The expression perforation of one sheet adapted to control a certain degree ot intensity may not coincide in location with the expression perforation of another type of note sheet adapted to control the same do gree of intensity; for instance, an opening in the tracker, as tl opening I), is adapted to register with the perforation in one type of notesheet by which slow crescendo effects are obtained and to register with a perforation with another type of note sheet by which a. mczzoito'rte elii'ect 'is obtained, and register with a perforation in another'type of note sheet whichis adapted to control the rewinding' oi' the roll, As a consequence, the tracker is provided wiihexpression and other control openin 's a, 6, etc, and a, b, etc.,certain of which are adapted to register with the expressionand control perforations in all 01'' the types of note-sheets which the piano is desired to play, and means are pro-- vided to select certain control openings in the tracker which are adapted to register with the expression and control perforations a selected type of note sheet for the proper control of the expression and other control mechanism to effect the proper response to the piano to that selected type of roll and render all other expression and control holes in the tracker inoperative and idle.

For this purpose, a plurality of selector valve boxes 105, 106 and 107 are provided The player system herein illustrated is adapted to play three different types of note sheets and consequently three selector valve boxes are provided and a valve box may be provided for each different type of note sheet to be played. The valve boxes are similar in construction and but one will be described.

8 is a sectional detail through one 01' said boxes, as for instance, the box 105. Said valve box includes a chamber 108 extendingsubstant'ally throughout its length and said chamber is adapted tobe placed in communication with a source of suction as the pump 20, and also with the atmosphere through the pipe 109'. The valve boxes 106 and 107 respectively are adapted to be simi- 'larlyplaced in communication with the source of suction and with the atmosphere alternately through other similar pipes 110 and 111 by means hereinafter to be more particularly described. The cover plate .112 of said valve box 105 is or may be formed with the annular recesses 113 which have the conically shaped bottom walls Tubes 115 are carried by said cover plate 119, and communicate with the annular chamliicra 118, and said tubes 115 are placed in communication with suitable control openings in the tracker means of the tubes 116 The selector valve box 106' is adapted to be connected with suitable control holes in the tracker corresponding to the control pertorations in the note sheet associated with said lector valve boxes willbe connected finally through a common conductor extend ed to the common control opening in the tracker. The va ious. interconnected "valves, however, are arranged to obtain diflerent controls ofthe inechanisn'i, as for instance, to ootain difie'r ent degrees of expression and when .a particular type ofnote sheet is played, all 'valvesof all boxes but those associated with that particular note sheet are arranged to be in? operative.

Reterring again .to' Fig. 9, tubes 1:20 ex: tend through the cover plate 112 to the apexes of the bottom walls 1142.. Pouches 121" are disposed over said recesses 113 in position to seal the inner ends of the tubes 120.

When a valve box is idle. atmospheric air is admitted into the chamber 108 and said pouches 121 are moved into position to cover and sealthe ends of the tubes 120. and said tubes are normally under a slight suction wherebyto hold the pouches in tube-closureposition. Said pouches thereby serve as valves to establish or interrupt communication between-the tubes115'and 120. When a particular. valve box is selected for operation, the chamber 108 thereof is placed in communication with a source of suction and the pouches 121 are thereby pulled back from sealing: positioir with the tubes 120 and free communication is established he tween tlie'tubes llofand 120 and, consequently, from the control openings-in the. tracker to suitable control devices'associated with said tubes 120.

Said selector valve boxes 105, 106. 107 are adapted to be rendered operative or inoperative at will by a suitable control valve. Said valve may consist of .a plate 122 hav- .ing spaced and aligned openings with which the pipes. 109, .110, 111 communicate. slide valve 123 is arranged to move over the lower face ot the block 12), and said valve 123I1nay have ihe spaced and aligned openings 1% and 'l25"-tlicrejn and another opening in line with the aforesaid openings withwhicha-pipe 126 is in communication. Said pipe 126' is adapted to extend to a junc- Izn and the box thcrebv will be rendered oper ative. The length of said plate 123 is such that when moved to the right. Fig. 1, it uncovers the ends of pipes 110 and 111 successively whereby toplace thevalve boxes sociated with said pipe in communication with the atmosphere and renders said valve boxes inoperative. The openings 124 and 125 in'said plate are adaptedto admit atmospheric air to said valve boxes 105 and 106 when the valve plate 123 is-moved toward the left. Suitable means herein diagrammatically illustrated as the hand lever 128 may be provided to move the valve plate 123 and hold it in anyselectcd position. Said valve may also be associated with a valve notherein shown adapt-ed to control the position of the division in the. wind chest as set forth in mv co-pending application iiled December 8, 1921, Serial No. 520,860, whereby simultaneously to condition the wind chest and the expression and control mechanism for control by note sheets of difierent types.

The pipes 25 and 33 leading" from the expression boxes 26 and 32' respectively extend to and communicateavith the distributing box 127. Said box containsmerely a chamber into which the various control pipes and tubes extend and serves a suitable means for connecting the various pipes with the pump. A tube 2 1 connects said distributing box'127 with acut oil box 130 which has means by which the pump can be cut off from the expression boxes and striker pneumatics when the player. piano is operating to rewind tie note sheet. Pipes 131 extend from the cut off box to the pump. Two pipes are herein shown and are used for convenience. althou h asingle pipe of suitable size mav be used when desired.

The cutoff box 130 is illustrated sectionally in Fig. 19.

i a chamber 132 therein with which the pipe 2 1* is in communication and azpouch valve 1331s arranged to cover and uncover said pipe 24* whereby to establish communication between said chamber 132 and the pipe 2 1 and cut oil such communication. The chamber 132 is in communication with the pipes 131 leading to the pump. The-action of the pouch valve is governed through a tube 135 extended to a valve 136. Said valve is associated, with thewind motor 137 and when the bellows 138 which controls the rewinding; of the roll is operated, the arrangement is such that the movablemem- Said box is formed with her 139 of said'valve 136 is raised to admitatmospheric air into said pipe 135. Due to the presence of atmospheric pressure behind said pouch valve and the suction on the other sideot' id valve. the valve is moved to close the pipe 2 1 and striker pneumatics are thereby cut r. rom the pump during; the. rewindmir o .the note sheet. When the note sheet has been re wound the valve 136 is operated in more less the usual manner to close said pipe .136.

The air is exhausted from behind said pouch valve 133 through the bleed 1, 10 and the passage of air from the expression boxes moves the valve away from the end of the pipe 2 1 to permit-the air to pass to the pump. y I

The selector valve box 105 is adapted to select control openings in the tracker which register with a certain type of note sheet, which may be herein termed a Type D note sheet, and the arrangement'is such that itselects controlopeningsb, (Z, f, h, i, j, k, in the bass side and the openings 6, f, h, i, j, k, in the treble side of the tracker. The control opening 7) is adapted to control the rewind mechanism and for this purpose serves to connect said openingthrough a proper selector valve in the selector valve box 105 which extends to a secondary valve 146 of usual construction which is arranged to control the rewind pneumatic 138. The control opening cl is adapted to control the loud pedal pneumatic 1%? and for this purpose. a suitable valve in the valve box 105 is arranged to place said opening in communication with the tubellS which extends to the pouch of a secondary valve block 1 19 and a pouch of a primary valve 150 to efiect the collapse of the loud pedal pneumatic 14-7.

The soft pedal pneumatic 151 is controlled from the tracker opening 12 disposed in the treble side of the tracker and serves to place said opening 6 in communication with a tube 152 which extends to a secondary valve box 1419 to effect the control of a primary valve 153 associated with the soft pedal pneumatic 151 in a manner similar to the 1 control of the loud pedal pneumatic.

The primary and secondary valves are or may be ofmore-or less common construction. The secondary valve construction is shown in Fig. 1 1 which shows a transverse section through a valve. The valve box is divided into three superimposed compartments 155, 156, 157. The compartment 155 is separated from the compartment 156 by a pouch 158. Said compartment 156 is adapted to be connected with the source of suction and when atmospheric pressure exists in the lower compartment 155 said pouch is raised by the suction whereby to raise the valve 159. A small bleed passage 160 normally connects the two chambers 155 and 156. The valve 159 controls communication between the chambers 156-.and 157. lllltS. low position, as shown, atmospher c pressure exlsts 1n the uppercompartment 157 and is established through the aperture 161 in the top wall of the box. Consequently, apparatus placed in communication with said upper chamber is at atmosphericpressure. \Vhen the pouch 158 is raised, it

moves said valve 159 .upward tovcover theopening 161 and thereby seal said upper com:

partinent 157 "from the atmosphere and place it in communication with the lower'compartment and under suction, and, conse-:

quently, place the apparatus in commufiicas tion by said-upper apparatus 157 under suction.

The cross section through a primary valve box is illustrated in Fig. 15. Saidvalve box includes two superimposed compartments;

Said lower compartment 163- 163and 16-1. is adapted to be placed in communication with a source of suction through the pipe both compartments under suction and the upper compartment is adapted to be placed the atmospherethrou-gh the opening 168, and botlrof said openings are controlled iby the valve 169.

in conununication with A pouch is disposed in the lowerconr partment lei-land atmosphere orsuction may.

lie-admitted to the backthereof through'the pipe 171. \Vhen atn'msphere is admitted .to'

the back of said pouch, thepouch is raised tomove thevalve 169 upward to cover-the opening 107' and uncover thewopening and thereby to cutofl communication between the two conujiartments 163 and upper compartment 164.

The bassand treble theme accents are controlled by thetraclrer openings f and 7" re: spec-tively and said openings are placed in communication, through the selectorvalve box 105, with the tubes and-176 respectively, and saida'tubes are connected with a secondary valve box 177 which controls re spectively the accent ' pneumati'cs 70 and 71 ot the expression box. The various degrees 0'? intensity extending from No. 1 intensity (pianissinio) to No. a intensity-(fortissimo) are (amtrolled from control openings 71,, 217', 7c, and 7i, i, y", la, on the bass and treble sides of the tracker respectively and said openings are in control, throughsaid selector valve box 105, the tubes 180, 180 ,"etc., 181 181 etc, the primary valve box'182, the tubes 183, 183", etc, and 184;,18-1", etc., of the proper pouch valves in the expression boxes 26 and 32.

Another type of note-'sheet is or may be- When; said valve is 164- and establish atmospheric pressure in :the

arranged to control the expression mechanlsm to obtain various degrees of expression efl ect through the medlum of lock and cancel lvalves through which the control open ings in the tracker effect the control of the various pouch valves and crescendo bellows of theexpression box.

The lock and cancel valves are so arranged that when an opening in the tracker is uncovcred, the valve is moved into one position. and the valve remains in such position until another opening, in the tracker is -uncovered, and said second opening is arranged to etlect .theclosing of the valve or to caneel the valve. A lockand cancel valve box 230 is illustrated in Figs. 10, 11, 12 and13. Said valve box is or may be divided into a plurality of chambers 190 disposed on one.

side of the box and other opposed chambers 191 disposed in the other side of the box.

=Said chambers are separated by the partition 192 which is formed with top and bottom chambers 193 adapted to be placed in conununication withthe source ofsuction through the pipe 194;. Valve plates 195 and 196 are arranged on opposite sides ofsaid separating wall 192 and are formed with suitable apertures therein. Ducts 197 serve to establish conununication between saidsuctlon ducts 193 and the under side of said valve plates. A valve stem 198 is slidably disposed in said supporting wall 192 and extends through the apertures in said valve plates 195 and 190 and carries at its ends, the valve discs 199 and 200. A lock pouch 201 is arranged to engage one end of said valve stem and move the valve disc 200 against the plate 196 and thereby close the aperture and cut of? communication between said chamber 190 to the suction ducts 193, and at the same time movethe valve disc 199 away from the valve plate195 and place said chamber 191 in comn'lunication with the suction ducts 193..

A cancel pouch 202 is disposed in said opposite chamber 191 to engage the end of the valve stem 198 in said chamber and move the valve stem in the reverse direction and cut n'iunication with. the chamber 191 through the tubes 205. Itis obvious that when either of the pouches operates to move the valve in one direction, the. valve will remain in its 1 moved posltion until the other pouch is operated to restore the valve to its former position.

Small air bleeds 206 and 207 are arranged to admit a slight flow of air into said chambers 190 and 191, and similar bleeds 206 and 207 are arranged to provide small leak openings between the back of said pouches loo 7 said devices when controlled by the tracker.

' 201 and the chamber 190 and the back of the pouches 202 and chamber 191. a a v Relay valves are adapted to be placed in the tubes extending from the lock and cancel valves to suitable devices to be cont-rolled, as

the various expression pouch valves of the expression boxes for instance, for the purpose of obtain-mg a more rapid response of Fig. 16 illustrates a valve block having relay valves well adapted for the purpose, and Flg.

17 illustratesa cross section or one of the able devices to be controlled through the tube 213. A pouch valve 214 is arranged to govern communication between said passage 212 and the chamber 215 between said blocks 210 and 211; and said chamber is adapted to be under atmospheric pressure. the atmosphere having access thereto through the cover plates 216 of said chamber, and said cover plates may be made of porous material, as felt. The pouch valve 21%. is controlled by admitting suction or atmospheric pressure to the back thereof through the tube 1 217. A light compression spring 218- serves employed.

normally to hold said valve 218 closed and thereby to seal the passage 212 from communication with the atmosphere. When said tube 217 is connected to a sourceot suction as. for instance, by means of a lock and cancel valve, the pouch valve 214: is operated to uncover the end of said passage 212 and the apparatus n communication therewlth 1S 1 thereby placed inflcommunication with the atmosphere.

A similartypi fofrelay valve is illustrated in Fig. 18, with the exception that the pouch valve 220 is adapted to control the communication between the two tubes 221 and 222.

In this construction. the chamber 223 inwhich said pouch valve is located is sealed from the atmosphere and no pouch spring is The selector valve box 1O61-is adapted to condition the system for the playing of a particular type of note sheet which may herein be termed d, e, g, h, and 2' in the bass sideof the tracker and said openings are adapted to control respectively the-slow crescendo, No. 1 expression, loud pedal, No; expression jtast erescendo, No.

3expression,'and the cancelling of the expresslon controls;

7 to select openings 1 0',(Z,e, g, 'h'andi',

and jin the treble side. of the. trackerandsaid-openings are adapted to control r s ectively the slow crescendo,

No. 1 expression,

a soft pedal, No. expression, tast crescendo,

a- Type A note sheet and is arranged to select-the control openingsb, 0,

It is alsoadapted No. 3 expression, the cancelling of the ex- 1 pression controls and the rewinding of the note sheet. The remaining openings in the tracker will be idle when the Type A note sheet is in control of the instrument.

To condition the apparatus to respond properly to the Type A note sheet, the seleoare arranged to control various degrees of intensity and said lock and cancel valves "are contained in the box 230. When other types of note sheets are played, said valve box is adapted to be idle but the selector valve 123 is adapted to render said lock and cancel valve active and, for such purpose,

is arranged to admit suction to said block through the pipe 231 which isteed into the pipe 110. Said pipe 231 extends to a valve block 282, the construction of whiehi's substantially the same as the valve illustrated in Fig. 19, and serves to open and close the pipe 253 extending to the valve block 280 whereby to control communication between said pipe and a suction pipe 23 1 extended to the distributing box 127. The bass tracker openings corresponding to No. 1 expression, No. 2 expression, and No. 3 expression are connected to the upper or look side of the valve box 230 by means of the tubes 235,

235". 235. The corresponding holes for the treble side of the tracker are similarly con nected by means of the tubes 236, 236*, 236.

,The Type A note sheet perforation system is such that the cancel perforation in the note sheet is adapted to cancel all of the lock valves which may have previously been opened by the registration of the expression perforations of the note sheet with the corre sponding openings in the tracker and, consequently, the valves which control the expression effect oi the bass notes are adapted to be cancelled simultaneously from the are various degrees of expression for the trebleside of the instrument are (cancelled by I means otthe tube 289 which is connected with a valve insaid primary. valve box 182 and a tube 240 connected with the cancel valves'associated with the treble side of the valve box 230. The control forthe bass expressionpasses through the lockjandcancel valve box 230- and the relay valve box 242. Theconstructionof said relay valve block is illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17 lay block 242 the control passes through tr s .2 2 3 mi ees nn m- From the re- Lil ill)

, said valve box,

inary "valve block 182 where said conductors are teed in wi. l

n tubes 180", 180, 180, which correspond to similar degrees oft expression for the Type I note shoot previously de scribe l. The control hen passes to the bass expression boy 26. in a similar manner the control for the treble sde oi? the system is passed through tubes Q ll, E l-l", Belltln'ough the relay bo:-; and thence through tubes ill-.6 52:16 and 2% to valves in the primary valve box which tubes are teed in with the tubes 181, 181; 181, and thence through said latter tubes to the treble expression box 232. For the Ty e A. note sheet, the bass side oi the wind chest is controlled by the expression box 26 and the treble side otthe wind chest by the expression box 32. Consequc ly, the treble side of the wind chest is adapted to be cut-oil iroin expression box by the operation of the valve 90, see 5. For this purpose a tube 24"? is extended from the bellows 91 of said valve to a relay valve in the secondary valve block 248 and the control is thence passed througl'i a tube 244) to the suction pipe 281 which controls the cutting in and out of the lock valve block 13 lYiF- this arrangement, it is seen that, when the selector valve 23 is positioned. to select the selector valve box 106, it establishes suction in said tube 249, and the suction operates the pouch in the secondary valve block 248 to place the bellows 91 under suction an d thereby to operate the valve 90.

Slow crescendo control tor-the bass side of the tracker is provided through the tube 251 which extends from an appropriate valve in the selector valve box 106 to a valve in the secondary valve block and the control thence passes through tube 251 to the slow crescendo bellows l he last crescendo control. is provided through a tube 253 which is connected with avalve in the secondary valve block 24:8 and the control thence passes through tube 253 to the fast crescendo bellows 8;. Similarly last crei'ccndo control for the treble side of the apparatus is provided through the tube 255 which coininunicates with a suitable valve in the secondary valve block 248 and thence through thetube 255 to the fast crescendo bellows 4:7. In the same manner the slow crescendo is controlled through a, tube 256 connected with a valve in 24S and a tube 256 which is in communication with the slow crescendo bellows The loud and soft pedal effects and the rewindingotthe note sheet are eftected in more or less the usual manner and need not be described. I

For a third type of note sheet, which may be termed a Type V] note sheet, the various degrees of expression are ei' fected, not by governing; the opening; and closing of the pouch valves associated with the expression boxes, but-by means of the fast and slow crescendo bellows and by holding the valves controlled by the crescendo bellows in a. predetermined fixed position to obtain a certain definite degree ol fty, as ine'lzico'i'orte. Lock and cancel vi-lives are also interposed between the tracheaand the expression controlling devices. For said third type oi note sheet, the selector valve i223 is moved-to its furthest position to the left (i l) where by to place the pipe 13263 in communication with the pipe 111 oi? selector valve box 10'? and til'iereby establish suction in s id box and render said box operative. flail selector box valve 107 is adapted to select tracker openings 0, 0, (Z, 0 g, it, 11 j, on the bass side Oil the rackcr and saic. bpcnings correspond to inezraol'orte-on, inez/mforte-oii crescendoon, .resccndo-otl', i'orzande-on (fast crescendo-on), so'it pedal-01? respectively. Said valve box is also adapted to select opening-"s 6. 0 (Z, c, g, ii, and Z on the treble side of the tracker and said openings correspond to the corresponding openings in the bass side of the tracker with the exception that openings 2" and are loud pedals oil and on res 'iectively and opening Z controls the rewindir y otthc note sheet. The control from the tracker is passed through lock and cancel valves in the valve box 270 and certain perforations in the note sheet are adapted to register with the crescendo-on opening 0 to open the valve associated with said opening and said valve will remain open until another ope ing' in the note sheet is passed over the opening (Z in the tracker which corresponds to Cl'OSCCDClO-Ol'l whereupon the arrangement is such that said valve is restored to its original position and the crescendo bellows is returned by itsspring; to its original position. The other controls are effected in a similar manner. The bass crescendo is controlled by the tube 2T1 which extends from a valve in the valve box 270 controllcc by the corrcspondiiig crescendoolt' and crescendo-on openings in the tracker,

and said tube extends to a valve 272 which is or may be similar to the alve illustrated in Fig. 17. Said valve serves to control admission of suction or pressure to the tube 273 which teed into the tube Said tube 251 also extends to a valve in the selector valve box 106 by which slow crescendo eliects for the ll ype A note sheets are ob tained. The slow crescendo on the treble side of the instrument is similarly obtained through the tube 27 i and the corresponding valve 275 which is teed into the tube 256 by wl slow crescendo ctl'ect for the Type A note sheet is obtained. Forzando is practically the same as the fast crescendo ot' the Type A note sheet and the tube 278 extended from the torzando-on valve on the bass side 01" the selector valve box 107 is connected or teed in with the conduct-or extending from the bass fast-crescendo valve of the Type A valve 130K106 and forzando control i VCD.

is efiected'in the same manner and through the same apparatus as fast-crescendo control a of the Type A note sheet.

Inasmuch as the slow crescendo bellows for both the treble and bass, sidesof the ex pression box operate through the fast crescendo bellows and'the slow crescendo be'llows may be {collapsed to a greater or less extent when it is desired to'etiect crescendo ofi' control, the forzarido -oil' open-i'ngsin the bass and treble sides oftheitracke'r are ar"- ranged to cause the opening of both slow crescendo bellows 83'a11d 4. respectively;

Consequently, the selector valve in the se lector be; 107 corresponding with the forz'ando-off open ng 9 in the tracker 1s 'arranged to control the tube 280. Said conductor 280 extends to a secondary Valve in the secondary valve box 248 andsaid valve is arranged to admit suction or pressure in the tube 281 and saidtube controls a valve 282 which may be co-nstructed'similar to the valve illustrated in Fig. 17 and, when the torzanddolt opening in the tracker is uncovered serves to admit atmospheric air to the tube 283 whereby to effect the rapid'opem ingot the slow crescendo bellows 83; and

said tube 283 is connected with the tube 8S oi said slow crescendo bellows; f

In the same manner; the iorZando-ofl selector valve for the treble side of the selector valve box 107 controls a'tube 285 which eX-- tends to a valve "in the secondary valve box 248and controls admiss on of suction or atmospheric pressure to a tube 286,-which in turn controls a valve 287 whichis or may be similar to the valve 282 Said valve'287 serves, when controlled, to admit atmospheric air to the tube'288 arranged in communication with the large passage in scendo bellows 53.

The mezsotorte is obtained by actuating the slow crescendo bellows 83 or 53 as the case maybe to move the slide 'valves associated with said bellows to a position to par tially close the slots 46 and through which atmospheric air is admitted to the expressionboxesQG and 32, and-said valves arear ranged to be. held in such'position for the durationcf themezzotorte efi ectn For this purpose, the plates 43 and79 of the expression boxes 2-6 and 32 havethe passages'r300,

and .301 which extend through thes'aid plates under the slide' valves and in, such positions as normally to be covered by said .slide valves.

to move to close said slots, the 'rear'edges of said valves are arranged to uncover said pas sages, and the position oiisaid'passages withrespect to said valves {is arranged to *deter-. mine the position in which-saidslide valves will be held "for mezzofortel Tubes 802 and 303 are arranged i munication with said passages" and" are the slow cre- WVhcn, however, saidfvalves" are actuated by the bellows associated therewith adapted to be connected with appropriate tubes by which the control of the mezzoforte is effected. Said openings 300 and 801 are,

adapted ,to control respectively the bass and treble slow crescendo bellows 53 and 83 by admitting atmospheric air therein as said bellows are being collapsedto increase the intensity of the instrument, and whereby to arrest the collapse or the bellows. Said bellows will thereupon tend to open but in doing so the slide valves will be moved to close the openings 300 and 301 and suction pres= sure will again be established in said bellows and they will be again collapsed. tion will be repeated solong as the mezzoforte control is on. i

Valves 304 and 305 are controlled by the mezzotorte on and oil openings in the tracker whereby to place said passages 300 and 301 in communication with the slow crescendo bellows for the mez'zoforte effect. .Said valves 304 and 305 are or may be similar in construction with the valve illustrated in Fig. 17 with the exception that the chamber, corresponding to the chamber 215 in Fig; '17 is adaptedto be sealed from the atby the mezzoforte lock valve and when said valve is operated and suction is admitted to said tube 308, the pouches of said valves are raised." Communication is thereby es tablished' between sald passage 300 through the valve 304 and the tubes 310 and 311 This acwhich tubes connect with both crescendo bellows in the same manner. The valve 305 i is controlled from the bass mezzoforte valve {p through the tube 312 and when suction is admitted to said tube, the pouches in'said valve 305 are raised to place the opening 301 Y in communication with both .fast' .and' slow crescendo bellows by means of the tube 307 and thetubes 314 and 315i' QVVith'the Type W not-e sheet, when a mezzo'forte effect is to be obtained, both slow crescendo on and mezzoforte-on perforations are formed in,

the notesheet. With this arrangement,-the slow crescendo bellowsis actuated to move as slide valve and rai-sethe intensity of the striker neumatics associatedwith itbut the v a collapsing movement of the slow crescendo bellows and hold it in a definite position until the control is cancelled;

' Other'controls 'for the'rewinding of the note sheet and the loud and soft pedals, for

instance, are or may be effected in more orless; the usual manner;

ri he' P mp 20 maybe stopp d e i es if 'me'zzoforte perforation serves to restrict the i cally after the note sheet has been rewound by suitable means controlled by the uncovering of an opening 320 (Fig. 7) in the lower roll 102 and the uncovering of said passage may serve to effect the control of the stopping apparatus in a well known manner.

lVlien the apparatus here shown is adapted to correctly reproduce the characteristic shadings of the compositions embodied in three different types of note sheets, a similar arrangement and disposition of the control and expression elements will be arranged to condition the. apparatus to, respond accurately to other different types of note sheets.

Said expression box and pump have the characteristic of providing inherent regulation of the pressure at the striker pneumatics, regardless of the particular, expression at which the expression box is set to operate and the number of striker pneumatics operated and consequently the usual pressure regulating valve and operating bellows, or equivalent regulating apparatus 1S. rendered superfluous.

It is obvious that the construction and arraiigement herein shown may beunodified without departing from the spirit of the invention. i

Iclaim:

1. In a musical. instrument, the combination of striker pneumatics, a source of power for said striker pneumatics, and means to produce various operative effects 0t said source of power on said striker pneumatics comprising means having air passages having fixed dimensions and provided w th openings arranged in iixed communication with the atmosphere to admit atmospheric air to said source of power and means completely to open and also completely to close said passages, said means arranged to be held in one or the other of the aforesaid relations for the production of a particular operative effect.

2. In a musical instrument, the combination of' striker pneumatics, asource of power for said striker pneumatics, a connection between both, and means to produce various operative effects of said source of? power on said striker pneumatics comprising means having air passages having fixed dimensions and provided with openings arranged in fixed communication with the atmosphereto. admit atmospheric air to said connection and means completely to open and also completely to close said passages, said means arranged to be held in one or the other of the aforesaid relations for the production of a particular operative eifect.

3. In a musical instrument, the combination of striker pneumatics, a source of suc iii) tion for said striker pneumatics including a suction pump characterized by. maintaining a constant, suction effect regardless of also completely to close said passages, said means arranged to be held in one or the other of the aforesaid relations for the production of a particular operative effect.

a. Expression controlling apparatus for a i musical instrument comprising a pump characterized by maintaining substantially constant suction pressure at any expression setting for which the apparatus is set, regardless of the number of striker pneumatics set in action, and means to vary the expression setting of the apparatus comprising means to admit unregulated air to the inlet of said pump and means to vary the admission of air in accordance with the expression setting desired.

5. In a musical instrument the combination of striker pneumatics, a tracker, a pump characterized by maintaining sub stantially constant suction pressure at any operative eliect for which the apparatus is set, regardless of the number of striker pneumatics set in action, and means to produce various operative effects of said pump on said striker pneumatics comprising means to admit unregulated air to the inlet of said pump and means governed by said tracker to vary the admission of air in accordance with the operative efl'ect desired.

6. Expression-controlling apparatus for a musical instrument comprising a suction pump characterized by maintaining substantially constant suction at various settings of the expression controlling apparatus, and expression controlling apparatus having means to admit unregulated air to the inlet of said pump to vary the expression setting of the apparatus and means to vary the admission of air in accordance with selected expression eflects.

7. In a musical instrument, the combination of two groups of striker pneumatics, a pump arranged to create a pressure to operate. said striker pneumatics, an expres sion device associated with said striker pneumatics and with said pump, said ex pression device having two cooperating units, each unit associated with a group of striker pneumatics and each unit having means to admit atmospheric air therein to produce various operative effects of the pump on its group of striker pneumatics and means independently to control the admission of air to each unit in accordance with the; operative effect-s desired.

8. In a musical instrument, the combination of two groups of striker pneumatics, a pump arranged to create a pressure to operate said striker pneumatics, an expression. said 7 air independently into said units, and means to govern the admission of air into each unit. 1 7

9. Expression controlling apparatus for pneumatically-operated musical instruments including an expression boxhaving a plurality of passages of fixed dimensions having-openings of fixed andconstant dimensions arranged in fixed communication with the atmosphere, whereby to admit atmos pheric air into the box, and means arranged only to completely close and to completely open said passages.

10. Expression controlling apparatus for a pneumatically actuated musical instrument comprislng an expression box having a plurality'of graduated apertures therein 7 for the admissionof atmospheric a1r,-and* means to govern the opening and .closingvol said apertures.

11. Expression controlling apparatus for a pneumatically actuated musical instrument comprising an expression box having a plurality of apertures therein for the passage of atmospheric air into the box, said box also having an aperture in series with the aforesaid apertures, and means to govern the extent of said last mentioned aperture. p g Y 12. Expression controlling apparatus for I a pneumatically actuated musical instrument comprising an expressionbox having a plurality of apertures therein for the ad mission of atmospheric air, valves governing said apertures, said box also having an aperture in series with the aforesaid apertures, aslide valve governing said last men tioned aperture and a bellows controlling said slide valve. I

13. Expression controlling apparatus for a pneumatically actuated musical instrument comprising an expression box having an, aperture for the admission of atmosphericvair, a slide valve governing said aperture, a bellows controlling said slide valve, and means to'control the position'of said slide valve, over said aperture comprising means to govern the pressure conditions (within said bellows.

14. Expression controlling apparatus for a pneumatically actuated musical instru- ,ment comprising an expression box having an aperture for the admission of atmosa bellows.

pheric air, a slide valve governing said aperture, a bellows controlling saidslide valve, and means to control the position of said, slide valve over said aperture comprising means to admit atmospheric air to said bellGVS at a predetermined position of said slide valve.

'15. Expression controlling apparatus for a pneumatically actuated musical instrument comprisingan expression box having an aperture for the admission of atmospheric air, a slide valve governing said aperture, a bellows controlling said slide valve, said box having a passage opened to'the atmosphere by said slide valve, and a control connection between said passage and said bellows. V r

16. Expressioncontrolling apparatus for a pneumatically actuated musical instrument comprising an expression box having an aperture for the admission of atmospheric air, a slide valve governing said aperture, a bellows controlling said slide valve, said box having a passage disposed to be opened to the atmosphere by said slide valve, a control connection extended between said passage and bellows, and a valve in said connection between said slide valve and .17. Expression controlling apparatus for a pneumatically actuated musical instrument comprising an expression box having an aperture for the admission of atmospheric air, a slide valve controlling said aperture, and two bellows each having means to operate said .slide valve, l

18. Expression controlling apparatus for a pneumatically actuated musicalinstrument comprising an expression box having an aperture for the admission of atmospheric air, a slide valve'controlling said aperture, a bellows connected positively with said valve tov operate itand a second bellows having means to collapse said first bellows and operate said valve.

19; Expression controlling apparatus for a pneumatically actuated. musical instrument comprising an expression box having an aperture ior tl e admission or atmospheric air, a slide valve controlling said aperture, a bellows connected positively with said valve to operate it, anda secondbellows having means to engage said first bellows to collapse it whereby to operate said valve. p

20. Expression controlling apparatus; for a pneumatically actuated musical instrument comprising an'expression box having an aperture for the admission or atmospheric air, a slide valve controlling said aperture and two bellows each having means to operate said slide valve, one ofsaid bellows arranged to operate said valve through said other bellows. p i

21. Expression controlling apparatus for a pneumatically actuated musical instrument comprising an expression box having an aperture for, the admission of atmospheric air, a slide valve controlling aid aperture, a bellows to operate said valve, and means to eitect the slow collapse of said bellows and the slow and also the rapid opening of said bellows.

22. Expression controlling apparatus for a pneumatically actuated musical instrument comprisin an expression box having an aperture for the admission of atmospheric air, a slide valve controlling said aperture, a rapidly collapsible bellows connected with said valve whereby to operate it, and a slowly collapsible bellows arranged to engage said rapidly collapsible bellows and musical instrument comprising an expression box having tWo compartments associated both with the striker pneumatics and pump of the instrument, said box having apertures of fixed dimensions for the admission of atmospheric air independently to each compartment, valves controlling said apertures, said box also having a communicating passage between said compartments, and a valve in said passage to control the communication between said compartments.

25. In a musical instrument, the co1nbination of bass and treble striker pneumatics,

a pump, an expression controlling device comprising a box having two compartments V connected with said pump, said box having apertures of fixed dimensions to admit atmosphcric air independently to each compartment, valves controlling said apertures, means separately to connect the bass and treble striker pneumatics in communication with both of said compartments, and means to isolate said pneumatics from one of said compartments.

26. In a musical instrument, the combination of bass and treble striker pneumatics, a pump, an expression controlling device comprising a box having two compartments connected with said pump, said box having apertures of fixed dimensions to admit atmospheric air to each compartment, valves controlling said apertures, means separately to connect the bass and treble striker pneuapertures to admit atmospheric air to said compartments, valves controlling said apertures, means separately to connect the bass and treble striker pneumatics in communication with both of said compartments, and means to isolate one group of striker pneumatics from one ol said compartments, and means to isolate the other group of striker pneumatics from either compartment.

28. In a. musical instrument, the combination of striker pneumatics, a pump, an expression controlling device comprising a box having two compartments connected with said pump, said box having apertures to admit atmospheric air to said compartments, valves controlling said apertures, and means to connect said striker pneumatics with either of said compartments.

29. In a musical instrument, the combination of striker pneumatics, a pump, an expression controlling device comprising a box having two compartments connected with said pump, said box having apertures to admit atmospheric air to said compartments, valves controlling said apertures, and means to control the operative effects of said striker pneumatics from either of said compartments.

30. In a musical instrument, the combina tion of a tracker, striker pneumatics, a pump associated with said striker pneumatics, dual means governed by the tracker to produce substantially equivalent operative effects of the pump on the striker pneumatics and means to shift the control of the tracker from one to the Ollllfll of said dual means.

31. In a musical instrument, the combination of a tracker, striker pneumatics, a pump associated with said striker pneumatics, expression controlling apparatus arranged to produce various operative effects of said pump on said striker pneumatics comprising an expression box in communication with said pump and said striker pneumatics, said box having an aperture for admission of atmospheric air therein, a valve controlling said aperture, said box also having an aperture in series with the aforesaid aperture and valve, a valve governing said last aperture, means to operate said last named valve, and means to select either of said valves for control by said tracker.

32. In a musical instrument, the combina tion of a tracker, striker pneumatics, a pump associated with said striker pneumatics. ex pression apparatus arranged to vary the op-

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